16300 Detroit Ave, Lakewood, 216-226-0056. Visiting this relaxing restaurant is just like stopping by a friend's house. Organic food with a sense of humor, every dish boasts creative names such as the grilled "one hot chick" sandwich. H C $$

1948 W 25th St, Cleveland, 216-274-1010. Bar Cento, from the Italian word for 100, serves a Roman-inspired Italian menu as well as 100 Belgian beers and 100 wines from around the world. Open 365 days till 2 a.m. HP $$

Big Daddy's Cheesesteaks sandwiches

16804 Lorain Ave, Cleveland, 216-251-1000. Putting a Cleveland spin on the Philly classic, owner Jason Noyes adds sauteed onions, pepper and mushrooms to shaved sirloin and American cheese sauce. Order cheese-steaks at the counter, or opt for other comfort-food staples such as pulled pork, corned beef, soup and a rotating chili of the day during the winter. H $

2247 Professor Ave, Cleveland, 216-274-1200. Dante Boccuzzi reinvents his namesake restaurant in Tremont, offering the same modern American cuisine in the former Third Federal Bank building. Diners can sit in the vault or reserve the chef's table in the kitchen for an up-close experience. TP $$-$$$ [Reviewed 10/10 4 Read online]

Deagan's Kitchen & Bar gastropub

14810 Detroit Ave, Lakewood, 216-767-5775. Far beyond the realm of pub grub (though you can get that here, too), this casual spot offers house favorites such as prosciutto-stuffed quail, duck macaroni and cheese, and shrimp tacos. Wash it down with vintage cocktails or one of 28 beers on tap. Once TV-filled walls have been replaced by brick and reclaimed wood that give Deagan's a rustic attitude. H $$

2061 W 10th St, Cleveland, 216-579-0200. Many of the seasonal ingredients on chef Ricardo Sandoval's menu come from a nearby urban garden. It's fitting for the house-turned-funky-eatery, hailed by Bon Appétit as one of the country's best neighborhood restaurants. Full bar. P $$$

27828 Center Ridge Road, Westlake, 440-892-0064; 4641 Great Northern Blvd, North Olmsted, 440-734-8646. Serving Italian food for 40 years. All of Frankie's sauces are made from old secret family recipes. Catering, party room, as well as delivery are available. P $$

2621 W 14th St, Cleveland, 216-241-5025. Decorated with art by local artists, Grumpy's look is a constantly changing backdrop to a menu of American classics such as burgers and salads and food with a spicy twist such as Mexican lasagna, stir fry and burritos. It's a favorite spot for breakfast, lunch and dinner among locals. Bring your own booze, and enjoy free Wi-Fi, too. HP$$

Herb's Tavern american

19925 Detroit Road, Rocky River, 440-331-9870. An old-style tavern that's been known as Herb's for more than 40 years. Have a beer and a sandwich and kick back with friends. H $$

Indian Delight indian

5507 Detroit Ave, Cleveland, 216-651-4007. This Gordon Square spot offers an authentic mix of Northern Indian dishes with a focus on Hyderabadi cuisine and Southern Indian specialties such as rice crepes with potatoes and onions. HP $$

38790 Chester Road, Avon, 440-934-9463. Chefs take advantage of a wood-burning oven to create more than just Neapolitan and American-style pizza. This casual wine bar also roasts a variety of its ingredients, such as chicken wings and artichokes, in the oven for a smoky flavor that permeates dishes from pastas to salads. H $$